Concerns have been raised by 60 opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives over the delay in the removal of the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Umar Damagum. The lawmakers emphasized the urgency of making a decision before August 2024 during the ongoing National Executive Committee meeting of the party in Abuja.
In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja, Ikenga Ugochinyere, the group’s spokesman and member representing Ideato South/Ideato North Federal Constituency of Imo State, expressed the lawmakers’ apprehensions.
The 13 PDP governors, in a meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, decided against removing Damagum from office, citing the need to address internal issues within some state chapters of the party. However, Ugochinyere criticized this stance, highlighting the potential consequences of postponing the leadership change.
Ugochinyere expressed concerns that extending Damagum’s tenure until August 2024 could lead to the infiltration of APC members into key positions within the PDP at the state level, threatening the party’s integrity. He urged the NEC members to intervene decisively to safeguard the party’s interests.
Addressing the justification for Damagum’s prolonged chairmanship, Ugochinyere highlighted the withdrawal of the suit filed by the suspended PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, challenging Damagum’s appointment. With Ayu’s withdrawal of the case, Ugochinyere argued that there is no legal basis for Damagum to continue in office.
The group adamantly opposed any plans to extend Damagum’s tenure, describing it as a violation of the party’s constitution. They emphasized the importance of upholding the principles outlined in the party’s regulations and ensuring a fair and transparent transition of leadership.